forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's manual

Category
Cars
Type
Owner's manual
www.forestriverinc.com
Begin the Journey!
BEGIN THE JOURNEY!
Camping Trailer
Owner’s Manual
Camping Trailer
Owner’s Manual
Camping Trailer
© 2014 Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. 09/14
Forest River Interactive Mobile Manuals
Download your Forest River mobile app or visit our dynamic online manual to
enhance your ownership experience. These interactive options provide incredible
ease and insight into use, maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product.
Ranging from “How-To” videos, pictures and illustrations of various components,
systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for
individual component owner’s manuals, answers are always just a click away.
Visit www.forestriverinc.com/manuals or scan
the QR Code to access even more information on your
Forest River product. Never be without your manual again!
OwnersManualCovers.indd 13-14 8/20/2014 8:32:18 AM
1-877-801-0333
www.forestriverinc.com
Begin the Journey!
BEGIN THE JOURNEY!
Camping Trailer
Owner’s Manual
Camping Trailer
Owner’s Manual
Camping Trailer
© 2014 Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. 09/14
Forest River Interactive Mobile Manuals
Download your Forest River mobile app or visit our dynamic online manual to
enhance your ownership experience. These interactive options provide incredible
ease and insight into use, maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product.
Ranging from “How-To” videos, pictures and illustrations of various components,
systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for
individual component owner’s manuals, answers are always just a click away.
Visit www.forestriverinc.com/manuals or scan
the QR Code to access even more information on your
Forest River product. Never be without your manual again!
OwnersManualCovers.indd 13-14 8/20/2014 8:32:18 AM
1-877-801-0333
www.forestriverinc.com
Begin the Journey!
BEGIN THE JOURNEY!
Owner’s Manual
Camping Trailer
Owner’s Manual
Camping Trailer
© 2014 Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. 09/14
Forest River Interactive Mobile Manuals
Download your Forest River mobile app or visit our dynamic online manual to
enhance your ownership experience. These interactive options provide incredible
ease and insight into use, maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product.
Ranging from “How-To” videos, pictures and illustrations of various components,
systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for
individual component owner’s manuals, answers are always just a click away.
Visit www.forestriverinc.com/manuals or scan
the QR Code to access even more information on your
Forest River product. Never be without your manual again!
OwnersManualCovers.indd 13-14 8/20/2014 8:32:18 AM
1-877-801-0333
www.forestriverinc.com
Begin the Journey!
BEGIN THE JOURNEY!
Camping Trailer
Owner’s Manual
Camping Trailer
Owner’s Manual
Camping Trailer
© 2014 Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. 09/14
Forest River Interactive Mobile Manuals
Download your Forest River mobile app or visit our dynamic online manual to
enhance your ownership experience. These interactive options provide incredible
ease and insight into use, maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product.
Ranging from “How-To” videos, pictures and illustrations of various components,
systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for
individual component owner’s manuals, answers are always just a click away.
Visit www.forestriverinc.com/manuals or scan
the QR Code to access even more information on your
Forest River product. Never be without your manual again!
OwnersManualCovers.indd 13-14 8/20/2014 8:32:18 AM
1-877-801-0333
© 2016 Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company.
2643369-Camping Trailer OM-cover.indd 1 8/20/16 12:58 PM
Welcome Letter
Welcome Home!
Thank you for selecting a Forest River tent camper, and welcome to the lifestyle that gives you the freedom to travel
and enjoy camping fun whenever you wish.
Your Forest River tent camper complies with the requirements set forth by the Recreational Vehicle Institute Associa-
tion, as well as various other federal and state agencies.
Items of quality, such as this tent camper, respond best to considerate treatment and care. Therefore, before using it,
we suggest that you review the entire contents of this manual. The material within has been prepared in sufficient detail
to be of maximum assistance, and the illustrations will be of considerable help when you are getting to know your new
camper.
Review this manual with your dealer. They should be able to answer any questions you may have. Read all the litera-
ture supplied with your new tent camper, including all warranty and warranty registration information. Remember to vali-
date the warranties by completing and mailing the individual warranty cards for each of the respective manufacturers.
Be sure your dealer has completed and returned your Forest River Tent Camper Warranty Registration Form.
Be sure your dealer has installed the propane container bracket, as well as the propane container and regulator. Check
that the connection has been made between the regulator and the propane manifold. Have your dealer explain the
operation of filling the propane container as well as how to check the system for leaks.
Keep this Owner’s Manual with the camper for easy reference, observing and following all instructions and warnings
associated with its use. Remember that accidents are usually caused by failure to observe simple and fundamental
safety rules or precautions. Accidents can be prevented by recognizing the cause of the accidents and by avoiding the
action, or inaction, that may lead to an accident. A careful owner is the best insurance against an accident. You can
also access this information by visiting www.forestriverinc.com and selecting the appropriate prompts or by download-
ing the mobile phone app at the Apple
TM
APP Store or Google Play
TM
for Android
TM
.
Your tent camper underwent a thorough inspection before it was shipped to the dealer. However, to ensure your com-
plete satisfaction, the dealer will perform an inspection of various components and the operating system of your camper
before you take delivery. Take time to walk through this inspection with your dealer. A walk around with your dealer will
help you become more familiar with your new tent camper and its components, while providing you with the assurance
that everything is in proper working order. If you are not familiar with tent camper towing, schedule a test drive with your
dealer. Ask any questions you may have at this time.
Your tent camper was designed for short-term and recreational use. It was not designed to be used as a permanent
dwelling. If you intend to use your camper as a permanent dwelling, it could cause your drapes, upholstery, and inte-
rior surfaces to deteriorate prematurely. This premature damage or wear, caused by permanent residency, may, under
the terms of Forest River’s warranty, be considered abnormal and abusive and COULD REDUCE YOUR WARRANTY
COVERAGE.
Should a problem develop for which you need assistance, contact your Forest River Inc. dealer. If you are experienc-
ing an appliance problem, check the appliance manufacturers’ information for information regarding warranty work
and/or for the location of an appliance service center.
If you experience a camper problem when traveling, and your camper is under warranty, and you cannot locate an
authorized service center, contact your Forest River Inc. dealer BEFORE having repairs performed at an independent
service center. Your dealer can advise you about what is covered under the terms of your warranty. If a warranty part
requires replacement, return the part, along with your invoice, to your local dealer. Doing so enables your dealer to note
what has occurred and ensures that you are properly reimbursed for your expenditures. Modifications made to the tent
camper without written authorization from the Forest River Inc. Warranty or Service Dept. can result in reduction or loss
of warranty coverage. Please be sure to contact your dealer before making such changes.
1
Some products described or displayed in this manual may be optional equipment, and not included with your camper.
Any special equipment, modifications, or additions made by, or at the request of, the customer, or any subsequent
owner, whether made at the factory or in the field, are not covered in this manual. We reserve the right to change the
construction, or material, of any part, at any time, without incurring the obligation to install such changes on previously
manufactured tent campers.
This Owner’s Manual was current at the time of printing; however, products are continually being upgraded and
improved; therefore, some differences may occur between the description in this manual and the product/s in your
camper. If differences do occur, follow the component manufacturer’s instructions provided with your Forest River Inc.
tent camper Owner’s literature packet.
We wish you many happy and adventurous days as you make great memories with your new Forest River Inc. tent
camper.
Travel Safely and...GO RV’ing!
2
Limited Warranty
LIMITED WARRANTY TENT CAMPERS RECREATIONAL VEHICLES BY FOREST RIVER INC.
Thank you for choosing to purchase a Recreational Vehicle by Forest River Inc., a fine product in which design and construction have received the care that quality
demands. This important warranty covers many items and is indicative of our desire to stand behind our products and assure our customers’ complete satisfaction.
If at any time the need arises to speak with a Forest River representative please find our contact information in our owner’s manual or at www.forestriverinc.com.
WARRANTY COVERAGE SUMMARY OF WARRANTY: Forest River Inc., 55470 CR 1, P.O. Box 3030, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-3030 (Warrantor) warrants to the
ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER ONLY, when purchased from an authorized Forest River Inc. dealer, for the periods stated below (Warranty Period), that the
covered structures and components of this recreational vehicle shall be free of substantial defects in materials and workmanship attributable to Warrantor.
a. One Year Limited Materials & Workmanship Warranty. Warrantor warrants for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase (Warranty Period), that the
body structure of this recreational vehicle shall be free of substantial defects in materials and workmanship attributable to Warrantor.
b. Five Year Parts / Three Year Parts & Labor Limited Roof, Tent, & Frame. Warrantor further warrants that the roof, tent and frame are free from substantial
defect from the factory in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years for parts and three (3) years for labor from the date of purchase, under normal use
conditions.
EXCLUSIONS FROM THIS WARRANTY:
Warrantor expressly disclaims any responsibility for damage to the unit where damage is due to condensation, normal wear
and tear or exposure to elements. Warrantor makes no warranty with regard to, but not limited to, the chassis including without limitation, any mechanical parts or sys-
tems of the chassis, axles, tires, tubes, batteries and gauges, optional generators, routine maintenance, equipment and appliances, or audio and/or video equipment.
Their respective manufacturers and suppliers may warrant some of these items. Warranty information with respect to these items is available from your dealer.
Excessive deterioration or discoloration caused by overexposure to the sun may be excluded from this warranty. Damage caused by rips, tears, snags, fading, soil-
ing, unraveling, environmental issues (mold, mildew, etc.), harsh chemical cleaners and or other abuse is not covered under this warranty. Installation of a roof air
conditioner must be performed only at the designated area on the roof by an approved Forest River Inc. dealer. Improper installation of a roof air conditioner will void
warranty coverage of the roof, lifter system, and related components.
This recreational vehicle is designed solely for its intended purpose of recreational camping and personal use. Warrantor makes no warranty with regard to any rec-
reational vehicle used for commercial, rental, or business purposes, or any recreational vehicle not registered and regularly used in the United States or Canada. For
purposes of this limited warranty, it shall be deemed conclusive evidence of commercial, rental, or business purposes if the recreational vehicle is licensed, titled,
registered, or insured in the name of any corporation, LLC, or any other form of business or commercial entity.
LIMITATION AND DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: WARRANTOR EXPRESSLY LIMITS THE DURATION OF ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE EXCEPT IN THOSE STATES THAT DO NOT ALLOW THIS
EXCLUSION. WARRANTOR EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
AFTER EXPIRATION OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. No action to enforce express or implied warranties shall be commenced later than ninety (90) days after expi-
ration of the Warranty Period. There is no warranty of any nature made by the Warrantor beyond that contained in this Warranty. No person has authority to enlarge,
amend or modify this Warranty or to bind the Warrantor to any action under this warranty, except the Warrantor.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
No action to enforce express or implied warranties shall be commenced without prior written notice to the manufacturer and/or Warrantor at the address listed above
of the alleged defect or nonconformity or the authorized repair facility’s failed repair attempt and MANUFACTURER, AT ITS DIRECT OPTION, SHALL HAVE A FINAL
OPPORTUNITY TO REMEDY.
DISCLAIMER OF CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES: THE ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER OF THIS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND ANY
PERSON TO WHOM THIS UNIT IS TRANSFERRED, AND ANY PERSON WHO IS AN INTENDED OR UNINTENDED USER OR BENEFICIARY OF THIS UNIT,
SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER FROM WARRANTOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
NOTICE of any dispute or claim arising under this warranty or any applicable Federal or State laws must be sent to Warrantor at: Forest River Inc., 55470 CR 1,
P.O. Box 3030, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-3030
The terms, conditions, rights and responsibilities of this warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of Indiana notwithstanding any other state laws.
WARRANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS: Warrantor will remedy substantial defects in materials and workmanship caused by Warrantor. Warrantor shall elect to remedy the
defect from among the following: repair or replacement. Warranty performance can only be obtained at Warrantor’s authorized dealers and service centers and from
Warrantor at the discretion of the Warrantor. All costs incurred in transporting this recreational vehicle for warranty service shall be borne by Purchaser. Warrantor
shall remedy the defect within a reasonable amount of time after appointment and delivery by Purchaser. All of Warrantor’s expenses in remedying the defect shall
be borne by the Warrantor.
PURCHASER’S OBLIGATIONS: Purchaser shall deliver this recreational vehicle for warranty service within a reasonable time after discovery of the defect and in no
event after expiration of the Warranty Period, which Warranty Period is one (1) year. All expenses incurred by Purchaser in obtaining warranty service shall be borne
by Purchaser. Warranty service shall, whenever possible, be scheduled with the selling dealer by an appointment in order to avoid possible delays. Purchaser can,
if necessary, obtain a list of persons authorized to perform warranty service by contacting Warrantor at the above address. No action to enforce express or implied
warranties shall be commenced without prior written notice to the manufacturer and/or Warrantor at the address listed above of the alleged defect or nonconformity
or the authorized repair facility’s failed repair attempt and MANUFACTURER, AT ITS DIRECT OPTION, SHALL HAVE A FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO REMEDY.
EVENTS DISCHARGING WARRANTOR FROM OBLIGATION UNDER THIS WARRANTY: Misuse or neglect, including failure to provide reasonable and necessary
maintenance, unauthorized alteration, accident, and improper loading, use as a permanent or full time residence, commercial use or leasing of the recreational
vehicle, shall discharge Warrantor from any obligation under this Warranty. Notwithstanding these or other terms discharging the Warrantor, the provision of service
by a Forest River authorized service center, authorization of repairs by Forest River, or any other attempt to resolve a complaint or request for warranty service shall
not constitute a waiver of Warrantor’s rights.
PARTS AND DESIGN CHANGES: Warrantor reserves the right to change the parts and design of its recreational vehicle from time to time without notice and with
no obligation to maintain spare parts or make corresponding changes in its products previously manufactured.
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE: To ensure your local dealer’s personal interest in your complete satisfaction, it is recommended that all warranty service be
performed by the authorized dealer from whom you purchased your unit. Following a move or as you are traveling, should warranty service become necessary, such
service shall be performed by any authorized dealer in the United States or Canada. Such service shall also, whenever possible, be scheduled by an appointment
in order to avoid possible delays.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION: A warranty registration is to be completed by the owner at the time of purchase and returned to the Warrantor. The return of this reg-
istration is a condition precedent to warranty coverage; failure to return the completed registration to Warrantor will invalidate this Warranty.
OTHER WARRANTIES: As indicated in the paragraph above, entitled ‘Exclusions From This Warranty’, certain items that are not covered by this Warranty may be
warranted separately by their manufacturers or suppliers. In order to validate those warranties, you may also be required to complete and return to the appropriate
manufacturer the warranty forms included with the information package. See these warranties with respect to their terms and conditions. These other warranties may
cover such items as chassis, tires, tubes, batteries, optional generators, and appliances, which are not covered by this Limited Warranty. For service or parts required
for these products, it may be necessary to write or call the product manufacturer to obtain the nearest authorized service center location. In requesting parts for
separately warranted products from the manufacturer of the product or its authorized service center, it may also be necessary to first obtain a warranty work autho-
rization number before the work is done. It may also be necessary to provide the Product Name, Model and Serial Number along with the description of the prob-
lem and part needed, plus shipping instructions.
OWNER ASSISTANCE: Your confidence and goodwill are important to Forest River Inc. as is maintaining a pleasant relationship with our dealers. We, at Forest
River, recognize that there may be occasions when a warranty or service problem is not handled to your satisfaction. After discussing the situation with the dealer-
ship management, if your problem has not been resolved to your satisfaction, we welcome you to contact the Forest River Customer Service Manager at the address
listed above. Our recommendations for an agreeable solution will be communicated to the local dealer. Forest River customer service contacts can be found in
our owner’s manual or by visiting www.forestriverinc.com.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
Revised 11/7/18
3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Welcome Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Manufacturers’ Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Dealer’s Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Customer’s Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Coach-Net™ Roadside Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Identification And Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Vehicle ID Decals and Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Vehicle Serial Number Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Safety Regulations and Propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Safety Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Tire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Weighing, Loading And Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Weight Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Weighing Your Camping Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pre-Travel Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Loading Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Packing For Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Living Quarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Prolonged Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Condensation and Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Fresh Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Water Center Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Traveling with Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Water Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Sanitizing Portable Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Toilet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Winterization and De-winterization . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Water System Maintenance and Troubleshooting . 37
Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Furnace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Water Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Care And Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Fiberglass and Aluminum Siding . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Seals and Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Brakes and Wheel Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Jack Post, Dolly Wheel, and Coupler . . . . . . . . . 41
Propane System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Tent Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Tent Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Tent Vinyl Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Crank-Up Lift System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Appliances, Sink and Countertop . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Cushions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Curtains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Vinyl Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Wood Surfaces and Pre-Finished Panels . . . . . . 42
Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Bed Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Roof Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ABS Plastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Wintertime Use and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Care and Maintenance Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Propane System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Effects of Formaldehyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
WaterPur™ Water Treatment System . . . . . . . . . . 47
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
Manufacturers’ Warranties
For any components with separate warranties on your
tent camper, be sure to check the literature supplied by
the manufacturer to see if they require you to register
your purchase with them to validate their warranty. These
warranties generally apply only to the original purchaser
of the tent camper. Forest River Inc. recommends that
you send the various warranty registration cards or forms
immediately before any time constraints on registration
expire, possibly voiding your warranty.
Manufacturers’ literature is supplied with the owner’s
information packet in newly delivered units. Only those
products and options, which are installed on your
camper, will be included in this packet. If you have ques-
tions regarding this literature, discuss them with your
dealer during the pre-delivery inspection and report any
literature shortage at that time.
General Warranty Information
The appliances in your tent camper will provide home-
like convenience while traveling. They have been
designed and tested by their manufacturers for maximum
service in a tent camper application. Each appliance in
your camper is covered by Forest River’s comprehensive
warranty as well as being warranted by its respective
manufacturer.
It is important that you review all the literature provided
in the manufacturers’ information packet. Fill out and mail
any warranty registration cards or forms required by the
appliance manufacturer at this time. Failure to do so
could void your warranty. Be sure to have your dealer go
over the operation of the appliances with you, and note
any shortage of literature you may have at that time.
It is important also that you carefully read all the manu-
facturers’ information provided regarding both operation
and maintenance of the appliances. Pay close attention
to all safety precautions given and be sure to follow
them. Keep all literature, including this manual, with the
tent camper for easy reference.
If service on any appliance is required, contact your
dealer, or an authorized service representative of the
appliance manufacturer. Appliances available in the
camper include the range, refrigerator, water heater, and
optional furnace. Operating instructions can be found in
the literature provided with each appliance in the manu-
facturers’ information packet.
NOTE:
Be sure your dealer completes the retail pre-delivery
inspection form and Warranty Registration form (refer to
page 8) supplied with your camper, within 10 days of
purchase, and that both you and the dealer sign and date
them before returning them to Forest River to register
your warranty.
Dealer’s Responsibilities
1. The selling dealership is responsible for inspecting
both factory and dealer installed components for
proper operation. This is known as the pre-delivery
inspection and systems check.
2. Your dealer is required to provide a thorough and
complete walk-through demonstration. This demon-
stration should provide a good understanding of
how your new RV operates.
3. The owner’s information packet should be pre-
sented at this time. This information should include
all warranty cards, component information, opera-
tion and maintenance instructions relating to your
new RV.
4. All component warranty forms should be discussed
and/or completed at this time. Your selling dealer
should assist you in understanding any and all lim-
ited warranty provisions to help you avoid loss of
warranty for any reason. Ask any questions you
may have before leaving the dealership.
5. Your dealer should provide you with information
concerning any need for service for your RV,
whether in or out of their area. They should provide
contact numbers for the dealership both during and
after hours along with contact information for the
correct Forest River division.
Customer’s Responsibilities
1. Regular and proper maintenance - As the owner,
you have the responsibility to properly maintain
your recreational vehicle. Be sure you have service
performed in a timely manner; don’t ignore a prob-
lem. It isn’t always necessary to take your RV to a
service center; sometimes a phone call is all that is
needed. The service technicians can advise you.
2. Familiarize yourself with your RV. Observe all the
component manufacturers’ instructions regarding
the use and service of their products.
3. Complete and send in all the warranty cards. Doing
so may help you avoid conditions arising from
neglect that are not covered under warranty.
4. Is the responsibility of the owner to take the camper
to an authorized Forest River dealer. Failure to do
so, may result in incomplete or no reimbursement
for repairs. Please contact your Forest River Cus-
tomer Service Representative for more information.
Customer Information
5
W ARNING
Do not modify your RV by adding a hitch, draw bar,
or any other means of towing another trailer or
vehicle behind your RV.
There are many accessories on the market that
allow you to carry bicycles, spare tires, or other
items on the rear of your RV. As long as they do
not exceed the weight limits of the rear bumper on
your RV, these accessories are fine. Some of these
accessories can accept a draw bar (or “tongue”)
with a hitch ball that allows a trailer to be attached
to the back of the RV. NEVER TOW A TRAILER OR
OTHER VEHICLE WITH YOUR RV. Towing items
behind your RV or overloading the rear of the
trailer will void warranty coverage and may result
in instability and loss of control leading to product
damage, serious injury, or death.
NOTE:
Modifications to your RV, without written authorization
from Forest River Inc., could result in reduction or loss of
warranty coverage. Contact your dealer before making
such changes.
The following is a list of suggestions to assist you in
avoiding most warranty issues:
1. Read your warranties and review them with your
selling dealer. The dealer’s obligation is to educate
you regarding the proper and safe operation of your
RV and all its components.
2. Be sure to inspect the entire RV and note any ser-
vice issues.
3. Locate all paperwork and ask any questions you
may have before leaving the dealership.
NOTE:
Forest River Inc. wants you to have the best possible
adventure with your new RV. To get the most enjoyment
out of your new RV and to ensure you fully understand
how your new recreational vehicle operates, please
address immediately any questions or concerns you may
have regarding your RV with your dealer before using
your RV for the first time.
NOTE:
Use your new recreational vehicle responsibly. Your
camper was not designed to be used as a permanent
dwelling, but for short-term and recreational use. If you
intend to use your RV as permanent housing, it could
cause premature wear on your appliances, furnace,
water systems, carpet, drapes, upholstery, bedding and
interior surfaces. This premature wear caused by perma-
nent residency may be considered abnormal or abusive
use and could reduce or in some cases void your war-
ranty coverage.
NOTE:
If you have repairs performed by a non-Forest River
repair center, you still must return the defective part to
Forest River to be considered for warranty repair reim-
bursement.
Coach-Net ®
When you take delivery of your new
Forest River Inc. recreational
vehicle, you are automatically regis-
tered with an emergency roadside
assistance service free for one
year from date of purchase. We’ve
teamed up with the largest RV
emergency roadside assistance
company in the country to give you
immediate access to fast, depend-
able service when and where you
need it. This is a comprehensive
emergency roadside service that is
available to you 24/7, around the
clock.
For complete details regarding how
to access your Forest River emer-
gency roadside assistance and
product support plan benefits, call
1-877-801-0333 or see the informa-
tion in the back of this manual.
Customer Information
6
Reporting Safety Defects
THE FOLLOWING IS ADDED AS A REQUIREMENT
OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY
ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA).
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying
Forest River Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer, or
Forest River Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-42 36 (TTY:
1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or
write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street
SW, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.
Contact Us
Forest River Wants Satisfied Customers
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to both your
RV dealer and to Forest River. If you experience a prob-
lem and you have exhausted all attempts to rectify the
situation with your RV dealership, you may consider con-
tacting the Forest River Warranty/Customer Service rep-
resentative. Contact information is provided below
according to brand.
When calling, please have the following information
ready:
1. Your VIN number.
2. Name and location of your selling dealer.
3. The date of your purchase.
4. The nature of the problem.
Rockwood/Flagstaff
Phone: (574) 642-2640
Viking RV
Phone: (269) 467-6321
Customer Information
7
Coach-Net™ Roadside Assistance
Emergency Roadside Assistance
Benefits
On-Site Emergency Roadside Assistance includes services such as towing, at tire assistance, delivery of
emergency uids, jump start/battery boost and lockout/locksmith. Winch out or extraction services required in order
to tow the disabled vehicle are covered for one man, one truck for two hours or two men, two trucks for one hour
up to 100 feet o a maintained road or in a commercial campground.
RV Technical Assistance Hotline is staed with certied technicians and factory-trained representatives who
understand the unique needs of RVers.
Having access to a RV expert who can guide
you through many common
operational issues over the phone is priceless.
RV Service Appointment Assistance is a hassle -free way of arranging for a service appointment when and where
you travel. We make an appointment for you and give you directions and a time that ts your schedule.
Emergency Trip Interruption Should your vehicle become disabled due to a collision more than 100 miles from
home you may be reimbursed up to $2000; reimbursement up to $300 for the rental of an automobile, up to
$1000 for airline tickets, up to $300 for meals and up to $400 for hotel/motel lodging to
the extent made
necessary by the conditions of the emergency and subject to any limitations under applicable state law.
Emergency Messenger Service Stay in touch with family and friends with no cost emergency message service.
Nationwide Trip Routing Make your next trip more enjoyable with custom trip routing and full color maps. We
provide easy-to-follow maps and directions, travel tips, and a list of interesting places to see and much more.
Coverage
Coverage is available for one year on your new RV and one additional family automobile or truck identied as
eligible for the plan. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the toll-free number on
your ID Card. Services are available on a “sign & drive” basis throughout the U.S. and Canada, and services are
available in Mexico but limitations apply.
When you take delivery of your new Forest River RV, you can travel
worry-free knowing you have an RV technical expert and
emergency roadside assistance just a phone call away. We’ve
teamed up with one of the largest, independently owned
emergence roadside assistance providers in the country to give
you immediate access to fast, dependable service when and where
you need it. Coach-Net RV Technical & Roadside Assistance has
been included in your purchase - FREE for 1 year!
For further details regarding how to access your
Emergency Roadside Assistance, please call
1-877 -801 -0333.
Benets and services provided by NMC -RV, Inc. This is a brief summary of the program benets.
Limitations, restrictions and exclusions apply. If there are any conicts between this document and the
Guide, the Guide shall govern.
Customer Information
8
General Information
LEGEND
Listed below are symbols and descriptions you will find
throughout this manual. They are used to alert you to
possibly dangerous or hazardous situations. When you
see these symbols, please read them carefully and fol-
low the instructions to help prevent damage to your
recreational vehicle and for your personal safety.
DANGER
DANGER! (Indicates a hazardous situ-
ation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.) This sign is
commonly RED.
W ARNING
WARNING (Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.) This
sign is commonly ORANGE.
CAUTIO
N
CAUTION (Indicates a hazardous situ-
ation which, if not avoided, could result
in vehicle damage or minor to moder-
ate injury.) This sign is commonly YEL-
LOW.
Vehicle ID Decals and Plates
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DATA PLATE
The camper serial number label is mounted on the front
road side of the camper.
Vehicle Serial Number Label
NOTE:
Be prepared to supply model number, serial number and
year when ordering parts or requesting specific informa-
tion regarding your RV.
Forest River Inc. recommends that you keep a copy of
this information separate from the camper in the event
that theft or vandalism requires you to supply a copy to
the authorities.
Decals and data plates, used throughout the camper, aid
in its safe and efficient operation; others give service
instructions. Read all decals, data, and instruction plates
before using your new camper. If a decal, data, or
instruction plate becomes damaged, painted over or
removed, it needs to be replaced.
Safety Regulations and Propane
The following warnings are posted throughout your rec-
reational vehicle to provide information on propane
safety. They have been installed not only because of the
requirement to do so, but also as a constant reminder to
occupants of the recreational vehicle to exercise proper
caution when using or being around propane appliances
and equipment. We are listing them here so you may
study them and be sure that you and your family under-
stand and follow them.
W ARNING
Do not place propane cylinders inside the vehicle.
Propane cylinders are equipped with safety
devices that relieve excessive pressure by dis-
charging propane to the atmosphere. Propane is
highly flammable. Failure to comply may lead to
fire or explosion and result in death or serious
injury.
DANGER
Propane cooking appliances need fresh air for safe
operation. Before operating:
Open vents or windows slightly or turn on the
exhaust fan prior to using the cooking appliance.
Propane flames consume oxygen which must be
replaced to ensure proper combustion. Improper
use may result in death or serious injury.
A warning label is located in the cooking area to
remind you to provide an adequate supply of fresh
air for combustion. Unlike homes, the amount of
oxygen supplied is limited due to the size of the
recreational vehicle, and proper ventilation when
using the cooling appliance(s) will avoid dangers
of asphyxiation.
DANGER
Do not use propane cooking appliances for com-
fort heating. Failure to comply may lead to carbon
monoxide poisoning which can lead to death or
serious injury.
DANGER
Do not store propane containers, gasoline, or
other flammable liquids inside the vehicle as a fire
or explosion may result.
Identification And Safety
9
DANGER
A warning label is located near the propane con-
tainer. This label reads:
DANGER
Do not fill propane container(s) to more than
80 percent capacity.
A properly filled container will contain approxi-
mately 80 percent of its volume as liquid propane.
Overfilling the propane container can result in
uncontrolled propane flow, which can cause fire or
explosion and result in death or serious injury.
DANGER
IF YOU SMELL PROPANE:
1. Extinguish any open flames and all smoking
materials.
2. Shut off the propane supply at the container
valve(s) or propane supply connection.
3. Do not touch electrical switches.
4. Open doors and other ventilating openings.
5. Leave the area until the odor clears.
6. Have the propane system checked and leak-
age source corrected before using again.
Ignition of flammable vapors could lead to a
fire explosion and result in death or serious
injury.
W ARNING
When using this outdoor cooking area:
The vehicle must be level and stabilized.
Do not violate manufacturers’ instructions on
required clearances for cooking appliances
during use.
Do not store cooking appliances until cool to
the touch.
Can lead to a fire and explosion and result in
death or serious injury.
Safety Devices
W ARNING
Never ignore alarms on safety devices. If the alarm
sounds and you are not absolutely certain of the
source, get everyone out of the recreational
vehicle immediately.
Always have a plan of escape. Update and practice
your escape plan every six months.
Have a meeting and discuss the plan, showing
everyone what to do including guests.
Do not waste time by picking up valuables or getting
dressed. Sometimes seconds count!
Vacuum any dust off the alarm weekly using the soft
brush attachment.
DO NOT spray cleaning agents or waxes directly
onto the detector as it may cause damage to the
sensor.
Smoke Detector
Smoke alarms may not have time to alarm before
the fire causes damage, injury or even death.
A smoke detector works for only detecting smoke,
not fire.
The alarm will sound only if smoke reaches the
sensor.
Check the battery/s at least once a week while the
RV is in use.
This unit will not alert hearing-impaired residents.
(Special alarms with flashing strobe lights are
needed for the hearing impaired.)
Smoke alarms have a limited life and are not
foolproof.
Never attempt to repair this unit; replace if faulty.
Never disconnect the battery to silence the alarm.
W ARNING
Smoke, propane and CO alarms may have an expi-
ration date. Please consult the individual Owners
Manual or on-line at www.forestriverinc.com.
CO Detector
The carbon monoxide detector is designed to detect
carbon monoxide from any source of combustion. It
is NOT designed to detect smoke, fire or any other
gases.
This detector doesn’t work without batteries. DO
NOT remove batteries except for replacement.
Test alarm each week while RV is in use and before
beginning a trip. Press the ‘TEST’ button. If the
alarm fails to sound, replace the unit immediately.
DO NOT attempt to repair.
For more information, please consult the individual
Owner s Manual or on-line at
www.forestriverinc.com.
Identification And Safety
10
Propane Detector
This detector senses propane in the air, not smoke
or fire or other gases. It detects the presence of
propane at the sensor; explosive gas may be pres-
ent in other areas.
Test your propane detector weekly. If the alarm is
located behind a closed door, it may not be heard.
DO NOT attempt to repair the detector. If it fails the
test, change batteries. If it still does not function
properly, replace the entire unit.
For more information, please consult the individual
Owner s Manual or on-line at
www.forestriverinc.com.
Backup Camera
The backup camera (optional) is located in an elevated
location on the rear wall, directly below the center run-
ning lights. It is a color camera with a built-in micro-
phone. The connection cable exits the camper in the
roadside front corner next to the truck electrical connec-
tion. The mating harness and monitor are available from
your Palomino Dealer.
Fire Safety
Fire safety is an important part of owning a recreational
vehicle. The following basic rules of fire prevention can
help eliminate the possibility of a fire.
1. Never store flammable liquids in the recreational
vehicle.
2. Never leave cooking food unattended.
3. Never smoke in bed and always use an ashtray.
4. Never allow children to play with propane or electri-
cal equipment.
5. Never use an open flame as a flashlight.
6. Have faulty or damaged wiring and electrical com-
ponents repaired immediately.
7. Never overload electrical circuits.
8. Locate any propane leaks and have them repaired
immediately.
9. Keep cooking surfaces clean and free from debris.
10. Don’t allow rubbish to accumulate.
11. Never clean with a flammable substance.
12. Spray fabrics annually with a flame retardant.
NOTE:
Be sure that everyone in your RV is familiar with the
location of all exits, including exit windows.
NOTE:
Make sure everyone is familiar with the location and
proper operation of all fire extinguishers.
W ARNING
Evacuate everyone from the recreational vehicle
immediately.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE WATER TO PUT OUT A
FIRE. Water can spread some types of fire, and
electrocution is possible.
Leave the vehicle immediately and call the fire
department!
Propane regulators must always be installed with
the diaphragm vent facing downward. Regulators
that are not in compartments have been equipped
with a protective cover. Be sure that the regulator
vent faces downward and the cover is kept in place
to minimize vent blockage, which could result in
excessive propane pressure causing fire or explo-
sion.
W ARNING
Portable fuel burning equipment, including wood
or charcoal burning grills and stoves, shall not be
used inside the vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire,
explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, or
asphyxiation.
If you decide it is safe to fight a fire with an extin-
guisher:
Remove the tamper tape which covers the dis-
charge push button (do not shake).
Hold it upright and stand six to ten feet from
the fire with a clear path to an exit.
Press the button down completely, aiming at
the base of the fire, and spray with quick side
to side sweeping motion.
NOTE:
Use the ‘PASS’ method. Familiarize yourself and all RV
occupants with this procedure:
Pull the pin (some extinguishers may have a car-
tridge you need to push).
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing
agent.
Spray the base of the fire. (If you aim at the flames,
you won’t extinguish the fire.)
Identification And Safety
11
DANGER
Avoid inhaling the dry chemicals from the fire
extinguisher. Although non-toxic, they could cause
temporary irritation. When the fire is out, clean the
area as soon as possible. The dry chemicals may
cause surface damage if left too long.
Do not use water to extinguish a fire. Water can
spread some types of fire, and electrocution is
possible.
Underwriter Laboratories classifies fires into three types:
Class A: Fires in wood, paper, fabric, rubber and
certain plastics.
Class B: Flammable liquids such as grease, cook-
ing oils, gasoline or kerosene.
Class C: Electrical fires started from live electrical
wires, shorted motors/switches.
Tire Safety
Before using your RV, you should inspect all the tires for
proper inflation, uneven wear on the tread, cracks, for-
eign objects, or other signs of wear or damage.
Don’t
forget to inspect your spare tire!
If excessive or irregular
tread wear, under-inflation or damage like scrapes,
bulges, cracks, punctures, foreign objects embedded in
the tire are present or if you are experiencing continuous
pressure loss, the tire should be dismounted and
inspected by a trained tire technician.
Tires deteriorate over time even if they are not used or
driven on. This deterioration can cause tires to fail even
when there is no visible sign of damage. Lack of use,
overloading, and underinflation can cause tires to dete-
riorate faster. While there is no hard and fast rule or
expiration date on tires, most experts recommend replac-
ing tires every 4 to 6 years depending on use and
climate.
Regularly inspecting and replacing your tires can help
prevent tire failure.
Use the following information to make tire safety a regu-
lar part of your vehicle maintenance routine.
CAUTIO
N
Safety First-Basic Tire Maintenance
Properly maintained tires improve steering, stop-
ping, traction, and load-carrying capability of your
vehicle. Under-inflated tires and overloaded
vehicles are major causes of tire failure. Therefore,
to avoid flat tires and other types of tire failures,
you should maintain proper tire pressure, observe
tire and vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards and
regularly inspect your tires.
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load
Limits
Finding Your Vehicle’s Recommended Tire Pressure
and Load Limits
The tire information and vehicle certification label con-
tains information on tires and load limits. These labels
indicate the vehicle manufacturers’ information including:
Recommended tire size
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR the maxi-
mum occupant and cargo weight a vehicle is
designed to carry.)
Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR-the
maximum permissible weight, including cargo, flu-
ids, optional equipment and accessories that can be
safely supported by each axle.)
When taking the trailer out of storage, inspect the tires
thoroughly and be sure there are no cracks in the
grooves and no wires showing. Cracks in the sidewall
could indicate interior damage or separations in the tire.
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits
Tire inflation pressure is the level of the air in the tire that
provides it with load-carrying capacity and affects the
overall performance of the vehicle. The tire inflation pres-
sure is a number that indicates the amount of air pres-
sure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), a tire
requires to be properly inflated. (This number is also
expressed in kilopascals (kPa) which is a metric measur-
ing system used internationally).
Vehicle manufacturers determine this number based on
the vehicle’s design load limit, which is the greatest
amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry, and the
vehicle’s tire size. The proper tire pressure for your
vehicle is referred to as the ‘recommended cold inflation
pressure’. Tire pressure should always be measured
when the tire is cold to get an accurate measurement. A
cold tire is one that hasn’t been driven on for at least
three (3) hours. As you drive, your tires get warmer caus-
ing the air pressure within the tire to increase. Therefore,
you cannot get an accurate measurement of tire pres-
sure unless the tire is cold.
Checking Tire Pressure
Because tires are designed to be used on more than one
type of vehicle, tire manufacturers list the ‘maximum per-
missible inflation pressure’ on the sidewall. The number
is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be
put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
Identification And Safety
12
NOTE:
It is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure at
least once a month for the following reasons:
Most tires naturally lose air pressure over time.
Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pot-
hole or strike the curb when parking.
With radial tires, it is usually not possible to deter-
mine under inflation by visual inspection. For your
convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to
keep in your vehicle.
Tire Safety Tips
NOTE:
Preventing Tire Damage
Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other
object in the road.
Do not run over foreign objects in the roadway, and
try not to strike the curb when parking.
W ARNING
Tire Safety and Maintenance Checklist
Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a
month), including the spare.
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the
tread, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs
of wear or trauma.
Remove bits of glass and any other foreign
objects wedged in the tread.
Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.
Check tire pressure before going on a long
trip.
Do not overload your vehicle. Check the tire
information placard for the maximum recom-
mended load for the vehicle.
If you are towing a trailer, remember that some
of the weight of the loaded trailer is trans-
ferred to the towing vehicle.
W ARNING
Tire Tips
Make sure all of the lug nuts are secure. Use a
torque wrench. Do not guess.
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the
tread, for cracks, for foreign objects or for
other signs of wear or trauma.
If you are towing a trailer, remember that some
of the weight of the loaded trailer is trans-
ferred to the towing vehicle.
Trailers should have the wheel bearings
repacked after being in storage for long peri-
ods of time.
Tire Fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place stan-
dardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identi-
fication number for safety standard certification and in
case of a recall.
Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
Please refer to the diagram below.
P - The "P" indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles.
NOTE:
Passenger car tires are not recommended for use on
trailers, because the capacity ratings are not marked on
the sidewalls of these tires. In the event a passenger car
tire is used, the capacity must be de-rated by 10%.
Next Number - This three-digit number gives the width in
millimeters of the tire from the sidewall edge to sidewall
edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the
tire.
Next Number - This two-digit number, known as the
aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of height to width. Num-
bers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall for improved
steering response and better overall handling on dry
pavement.
R - The "R" stands for radial. Radial ply construction of
tires has been the industry standard for the past
20 years.
Next Number - This two-digit number is the wheel or rim
diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you
will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel
diameter.
Identification And Safety
13
Next Number - This two- or three-digit number is the
tire’s load index. It is a measurement of how much
weight each tire can support. You may find this informa-
tion in your Owner’s Manual. If not, contact a local tire
dealer.
NOTE:
You may not find this information on all tires because it is
not required by law.
M+S - The "M+S" or "M/S" indicates that the tire has
some mud and snow capability. Most radial tires have
these markings.
Speed Rating - The speed rating denotes the speed at
which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods
of time. The ratings range from 65 miles per hour (mph)
to 186 mph. These ratings are listed below.
NOTE:
You may not find this information on all tires because it is
not required by law.
Letter Rating Speed Rating
ST 65 mph
Q 99 mph
R 106 mph
S 112 mph
T 118 mph
U 124 mph
H 130 mph
V 149 mph
W 168* mph
Y 186* mph
* For tires with a maximum speed capability over
149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters
ZR. For those with a maximum speed capability over
186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number - This begins with
the letters "DOT" and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are
the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last
four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 3197 means the 31
st
week of 1997. The other numbers are marketing codes
used at the manufacturer’s discretion. The information is
used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a
recall.
Tire Ply Composition on Materials Used-The number
of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated
fabric in the tire. In general, the greater the number of
plies, the more weight a tire can support. Tire manufac-
turers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which
include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Maximum Load Rating - This number indicates the
maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be car-
ried by the tire.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure - This num-
ber is the greatest amount of air pressure that should
ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
Additional Information on Light Truck Tires
Please refer to the following diagram.
Tires for light trucks have other markings besides those
found on the sidewalls of passenger tires.
LT - The "LT" indicates the tire is for light trucks or
trailers.
ST - An "ST" is an indication the tire is for trailer use only.
Max. Load Dual kg (lbs.) at kPa (psi) Cold - This infor-
mation indicates the maximum load and tire pressure
when the tire is used as a dual, that is, when four tires
are put on each rear axle (a total of six or more tires on
the vehicle).
Max. Load Single kg (lbs.) at kPa (psi) Cold - This
information indicates the maximum load and tire pres-
sure when the tire is used as a single.
Load Range - This information identifies the tire’s load-
carrying capabilities and its inflation limits.
Vehicle Load Limits
Determining the load limits of a vehicle includes more
than understanding the load limits of the tires alone.
On a trailer, there is a federal certification label that is
located on the forward half of the left (road) side of the
RV.
Identification And Safety
14
The certification label will indicate the vehicle’s gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the most weight
the fully loaded vehicle can weigh. It will also provide the
gross axle weight (GAWR). This is the maximum permis-
sible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment
and accessories that can be safely supported by each
axle. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle
will be provided.
In the same location as the certification label described
above, there is a vehicle placard. This placard provides
tire and loading information. In addition, this placard will
show a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity.
Cargo Capacities
Cargo can be added to the vehicle up to the maximum
weight specified on the placard. The combined weight of
the cargo is provided as a single number. In any case,
remember the total weight of a fully loaded vehicle can-
not exceed the stated GVWR.
Water and propane also need to be considered. The
weight of fully filled propane containers is considered
part of the weight of the trailer before it is loaded with
cargo and is not considered part of the disposable cargo
load. Water, however, is a cargo weight and is treated as
such. If there is a fresh water storage tank of 100 gal-
lons, this tank when filled would weigh about
800 pounds. If more cargo is being transported, water
can be off-loaded to keep the total amount of cargo
added to the vehicle within the limits of the GVWR so as
not to overload the vehicle. Understanding this flexibility
will allow you, the owner, to make choices that fit your
travel and camping needs.
When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly
to prevent overloading front to back and side to side.
Heavy items should be place low and as close to the axle
positions as reasonable. Too many items on one side
may overload a tire. The best way to know the actual
weight of the vehicle is to weigh it at a public scale. Talk
to your trailer dealer to discuss the weighing methods
needed to capture the various weights related to the
trailer. This would include weights for the following: axles,
wheels, hitch or pin and total weight.
How Overloading Affects Your Trailer and Tires
The results of overloading can have serious conse-
quences for passengers’ safety. Too much weight on
your vehicle’s suspension system can cause spring,
shock absorber, or brake failure, handling or steering
problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
An overloaded vehicle is hard to drive and hard to stop.
In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail com-
pletely, particularly on steep hills. The load a tire will
carry safely is a combination of the size of the tire, its
load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Excessive loads and/or under inflation cause tire over-
loading, and as a result, abnormal tire flexing occurs.
This situation can generate an excessive amount of heat
within the tire. Excessive heat may lead to tire failure.
It is the air pressure that enables a tire to support the
load, so proper inflation is critical. Since trailer’s can be
configured and loaded in many ways, air pressure must
be determined from actual loads (determined by weigh-
ing) and taken from the load and inflation tables provided
by the tire manufacturer. These air pressures may differ
from those found on the certification label. However, they
should never exceed the tire limitation for load or air
pressure. If you discover that your tires cannot support
the actual weights, the load will need to be lightened.
Identification And Safety
15
Tire Safety Tips
Preventing Tire Damage
Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other
object in the road.
Do not run over curbs or other foreign objects in the
roadway, and try not to strike the curb when parking.
Tire Safety Checklist
Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a
month), including the spare.
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread,
cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or
trauma.
Remove bits of glass and foreign objects wedged in
the tread.
Make sure all of your tire valves have valve caps
Check tire pressure before going on a long trip.
Do not overload your vehicle. Check the Tire Infor-
mation and Loading Placard or Owner’s Manual for
the maximum recommended load for the vehicle.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX
lbs." on your vehicle placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage capacity.
For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage
capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this Manual to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage capacity of your
vehicle.
Identification And Safety
16
Loss Of Carrying Capacity Due To Under Inflation
Load Capacity ST205/75*15 (C(
PSI 50 45 40 35 30 25
Load
Capacity
1820 1720 1610 1480 1360 1220
*2014 Tire and Rim Association
Tighten Each Lug Nut In The Order
Shown
1
4
52
3
NOTE:
Start all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross threading.
Wheel nut torque requirements vary depending on the
size and manufacturer of the wheel. Always use the
wheel manufacturers recommendation but do not
exceed 100 ft/lbs on 1/2 inch studs, or 130 ft/lbs on 9/16
inch studs. Unless otherwise specified by the wheel
manufacturer, use a final torque of 85-95 ft/lbs.
NOTE:
It is recommended that wheel bearings be repacked
yearly.
W ARNING
Never exceed the wheel manufacturer’s recom-
mendations.
W ARNING
It is important to maintain proper wheel nut torque
to provide safe and secure attachment of the
wheel to the hub/drum.
DANGER
Be sure to use wheel nuts that are compatible with
the coin in the wheel. Improperly torqued wheel
nuts can cause the wheel to separate from the
wheel mounting surface during operation. This
could result in property damage, serious personal
injury or loss of life. Do not over torque.
W ARNING
Do not place a jack against the trailer underbelly
when changing a tire. To avoid damage to your RV,
be sure the jack is placed firmly against the chas-
sis frame and place it as close to the spring hang-
ers as possible.
Air Pressure
Remember that the air pressure in your camper tires will
not be the same as the pressure in your tow vehicle tires.
Always inflate camper tires to the correct pressure. Do
not over or under inflate. Under-inflated tires will run hot,
shortening the tire’s life and decreasing the camper’s
safe load limit. Over-inflated tires will cause a rough and
bouncy ride that can damage the camper or the cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as a tire that has
not been used for 3 or more hours, or has been driven
less than one mile. Tire inflation pressure of a hot tire
may show an increase of as much as 6 psi over a cold
tire.
50 45 40 35 30 25
Load Capacity
1820 1720 1610 1480 1360 1220
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
Load Capacity ST205/75*15 “C”
Identification And Safety
17
Lug Bolts
It is also important to check the wheel lug bolts regularly
for tightness. Each lug bolt should be torqued according
to the following:
TORQUE STAGES
1st Stage Aluminum 45–50 ft/lbs
Steel 60–65 ft/lbs
2nd Stage Aluminum 90–95 ft/lbs
Steel 70–75 ft/lbs
Check the lug bolts per the following schedule:
1. After the initial test, check again after the first
50 miles.
2. Recheck every 50 miles for the next 200 miles.
3. Thereafter, check before each trip.
Check the lug bolts following periods of excessive brak-
ing. Be sure the lug bolts are seated in the counter-sunk
holes of the wheel and keep them free of rust. Refer to
the axle manufacturers operation and maintenance
manual for additional information concerning the camp-
er’s wheels and lug bolts. (If the tire manufacturers’ infor-
mation differs from the above instructions, follow the tire
manufacturers’ directions.)
Changing a Tire
Safety is the first consideration if it becomes necessary
to change a tire while traveling. (If equipped with an
optional spare tire, it will be mounted on the outside rear
wall of the camper.) Use the following steps when chang-
ing a tire:
1. If the flat/damage occurs while driving, bring your
tow vehicle and camper to a controlled and gradual
stop.
2. Pull off the road as far as safely possible.
3. Turn on hazard warning flashers.
4. If the flat/damage occurs at night, use flares or
warning lights also.
5. Use a block to stabilize the opposite wheel.
6. If the wheel has a hub cap, remove it.
7. Raise the camper slightly with a hydraulic or scis-
sors style jack placed directly under the camper
frame. Do not use a bumper style jack or place any
jack under the bumper.
8. Loosen the wheel lug bolts.
9. Use the jack to raise the tire off the road.
10. Remove the lug bolts, keep them together, and
store them in an easily accessible place.
11. Remove the wheel and replace with the spare
wheel and tire.
12. Replace the lug bolts and tighten by hand.
13. Lower the wheel to the ground and tighten the lug
bolts in the sequence previously outlined. (Recheck
the torque at 50 miles, and every 50 miles thereaf-
ter, for the next 200 miles.)
14. Replace the hub cap, and store the old tire, jack,
and all tools and safety equipment. After changing a
flat, have it repaired or replaced as soon as pos-
sible. If you find yourself with a flat tire and no spare
and you must leave the camper to find a replace-
ment, be sure to solidly stabilize the camper to pre-
vent it from moving or falling off the jack.
Identification And Safety
18
Weight Terminology
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) - Is the maximum
permissible weight of the RV when fully loaded. It
includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, cargo, optional
equipment and accessories. For safety and product per-
formance do NOT exceed the GVWR.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - The maximum per-
missible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equip-
ment and accessories that can be safely supported by
each axle.
UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) * - Is the typical weight
of the RV as manufactured at the factory. It includes all
weight at the RV’s axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas.
The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water,
additional optional equipment or dealer installed
accessories.
*Estimated Average based on standard build optional
equipment.
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) ** - Is the amount of
weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional
optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to
GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommo-
date fresh potable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before fill-
ing the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks
to provide for more cargo capacity.
** Estimated average based on standard build equipment
Each Forest River RV is weighed at the manufacturing
facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded
vehicle weight of the actual RV and the cargo carrying
capacity is applied to every Forest River RV prior to leav-
ing our facilities.
The load capacity of your RV is designated by weight,
not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all avail-
able space when loading your RV.
Actual towing capacity is dependent upon your particular
loading and towing circumstances, which includes the
GVWR, GAWR and GCWR as well as adequate trailer
brakes. Please refer to the Operator’s Manual of your
vehicle for further towing information.
Weighing Your Camping Trailer
To weigh your camper properly, use the following
procedure:
1. Level the trailer and make sure that it remains level
throughout the weighing process.
2. To compute gross vehicle weight, pull the trailer
onto the scales and weigh with both the axle and
front jack resting on the scale. The difference
between the weight of the camper fully loaded and
empty is the rated personal cargo weight. If for
example the GVWR of your camper is listed at
7040 lbs. and empty it weighs 4755 lbs., your per-
sonal cargo weight cannot exceed 2285 lbs. The
GVWR must not exceed the GVWR found on the
certification decal.
3. For tongue weight, rest only the hitch on the scale
and weigh with the camper fully loaded for travel
(Tongue weight = GVWR minus (GAWR*# axles)).
4. To compute gross axle weight, pull forward so that
only the camper axle is resting on the scale. If the
weight exceeds the GAWR on the weight distribu-
tion information sticker, remove or redistribute the
weight to meet the proper specification. The differ-
ence between gross vehicle weight and gross axle
weight is the tongue weight.
If additional items are added to the camper after it has
been weighed and the loading analysis completed, weigh
each additional item using a bathroom scale before plac-
ing it in the camper. The total of these items are then
added to the GVW originally determined.
Remember that by adding additional weight, you may be
affecting the tongue weight of the trailer. The tongue
weight is increased by moving cargo forward and
decreased by moving cargo toward the rear. However,
too much weight in the rear can cause sway, or handling
instability.
Once you become familiar with loading your camper and
know how to distribute the weight, make a list and a dia-
gram you can use for future reference. Plan your loading
and storage so that emergency items are easily
accessed. Place heavier or breakable items on the
camper floor for greater load stability. Make sure these
items are well packed and secured to prevent move-
ment. Take extra care not to overload the front and rear
ends of the camper.
Use packing material around breakable items such as
plates and glasses if you will be traveling over rough
roads or terrain. It is a good idea to use non-skid mate-
rials under heavier items to help prevent breakage or
load shifting.
Resist the temptation to carry more supplies than you
need. It is important to remember that the weight of items
you purchase while traveling must be added to the
camper weight, and you may need to rearrange items to
maintain correct load distribution.
Weighing, Loading And Towing
19
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forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's manual

Category
Cars
Type
Owner's manual

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